The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1189: Chapter 131: Fiona’s Complex Composition

There are two ways of life for people engaged in academia: one is to live ‘for’ academia, and the other is to live ‘off’ academia. The latter pursues scholarship to improve life, while the former pursues scholarship to improve the world. The teaching goal of the University of Gottingen is to dedicate all resources to shaping those who live ‘for’ academia. Why do we do this? Because we see that you, students, your generation, will thoroughly reshape the German national spirit!

—— Sir Arthur Hastings, Göttingen University Supervisor and National Special Representative, 1833 Göttingen University Autumn Semester Opening Speech

Arthur stood within the grand hall of the University of Gottingen, draped in a black academic gown, the hem extending to his ankles, with the slim cut highlighting the dignity of his upright figure.

The gown, made of high-quality wool, was heavy without losing elegance, and the black fabric gleamed with a steady sheen in the sunlight. The edges of the gown were adorned with velvet trimmings, adding a touch of nobility to this attire, while the exquisite silver embroidery at the collar served as a symbol of academic prestige.

As his voice fell, applause surged like a tidal wave from every corner of the hall, instantly drowning the entire space. The professors nodded slightly in agreement, while the freshmen applauded politely, curiously observing the seniors whose faces had turned slightly red with excitement.

Since they had just enrolled, most freshmen did not understand why the seniors were so excited.

However, the professors and lecturers were quite clear about the profound meaning hidden in the new supervisor’s speech.

The German national spirit, this phrase at this point in time, is quite a sensitive term, yet the supervisor naturally mentioned it on such an important occasion, which already sufficiently explained his attitude towards the German national movement and promoting liberal ideas.

Whether for his stance or courage, they have every reason to give Arthur the warmest applause.

Arthur saw the cheering students below the stage, only smiling and gently waving his hand in greeting.

On his head, he wore a flat-topped, four-cornered academic cap, the brim slightly arching up, with a golden tassel hanging from the center, gently swaying with his every move.

The brief opening ceremony quickly came to an end, and most students were still whispering excitedly as they exited.

Meanwhile, the remaining students hurried to the school square where they had another meeting to attend; the newly established Gottingen Social Activities Enthusiasts and Event Planning Organization was about to announce the voting results there, and the first club president would deliver a victory speech and take the oath upon the completion of vote counting.

Seeing that most students had left, Arthur tidied up the materials on the podium while looking at Fiona sitting in the front row.

“You didn’t have to come along; it’s just an opening speech, nothing important. Since you’re in Germany, you should visit the nearby attractions. Walking ten miles east out of the city, you can see the Vera Valley, with a castle named Hanau-Hosen at its peak. Built by the Vinde family in the 11th century, it was once an important military fortress of the Holy Roman Empire. Although the place is now deserted, it’s still worth a visit.”

Fiona shook her head and said, “I’m not interested in the Middle Ages.”

“Not interested?”

Arthur placed the script under his arm and contemplated, “What about mythology? Although the Harz Mountains are a bit distant from Gottingen, the natural scenery is undeniably exquisite. The highest peak, Brocken Mountain, is the most famous land of magic and legend in German mythology. Several stories in the Grimm Fairy Tales created by our school’s Grimm brothers are set there, such as ‘The Witches of Brocken Mountain.’

Fiona elegantly lifted her long skirt and stood up: “Since there are already witches there, why do I need to go to the Harz Mountains to compete with her?”

“Ah…” Arthur waved his hand and said, “There’s not only witches there, the Rose Princess also lives there. Besides, there are dwarves, elves, and bears.”

Fiona stood below the stage without any intention of leaving, she extended her hand towards Arthur, frowning slightly, and said, “You seem eager to get rid of me?”

“How could that be?”

Arthur removed his academic cap, descended the podium, and took her hand: “I just think, since you don’t understand German, staying in a countryside place like Gottingen might be a bit lonely.”

“Who told you I can’t speak German?”

Fiona said disdainfully: “You only know my family immigrated from Russia, but you do not know our ancestors were originally German.”

“Hmm?” Arthur said in surprise: “Why does your family run around like that? It sounds just like Gypsies.”

Upon hearing this, Fiona became furious and pinched Arthur’s hand hard: “How dare you insult me like that? Your family is the one that’s like Gypsies!”

Realizing his verbal mistake, Arthur quickly smiled and tactfully apologized: “Perhaps you guessed right, I heard from our local parish priest that I might indeed have been born in a caravan.”

Fiona, upon hearing this, remembered for a moment and almost forgot Arthur’s strange temperament.

This graduate of the University of London and faithful student of Jeremy Bentham thoroughly practiced the University of London’s motto.

The University of London adheres to the principle of inclusive education, where religion, race, and profession are deemed unimportant.